domestic 結果共105筆

Taipei’s Acting Minister of Agriculture, Chen Junne-jih, announced the implementation of a specialized avian influenza prevention program in September, including increased testing frequency to monitor the disease. This comes in response to recent outbreaks in Japan and chicken farms in Yunlin County, raising concerns about egg price hikes and shortages. Chen warned that the situation may worsen with the expected drop in temperature next week. Taiwan has been conducting active and passive surveillance for avian influenza since September, focusing on high-risk areas near migratory bird paths and implementing biosecurity measures at poultry farms. Chen assured that the country’s egg production capability has recovered since the shortage earlier this year, with reserves of liquid eggs available for emergencies. Domestic egg reserves will be released first in the event of increased market demand, with the import of liquid eggs only considered if a severe outbreak leads to a supply shortage. Chen emphasized the importance of maintaining appropriate stock levels through the imported egg project to ensure a stable egg supply despite the challenges posed by avian influenza.

Premier Chen Chien-jen celebrated the release of Human Rights Stamps by Chunghwa Post, showcasing Taiwan’s advancements in human rights. The event was attended by notable figures such as Chen Chu, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, and Wu Hong-mo, Chairperson of Chunghwa Post. Premier Chen, an avid philatelist, emphasized the universality of human rights and the power of stamps in raising awareness. Taiwan’s progress in human rights was highlighted, including the implementation of the National Human Rights Action Plan in 2022, incorporating five out of nine major human rights conventions into domestic laws. Taiwan’s junior high students also achieved top scores internationally in civic education assessments, particularly excelling in gender equality, ethnic equality, immigrant rights, and environmental awareness. Chen Chu recalled a previous stamp featuring Eleanor Roosevelt during martial law in 1964, introducing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The new set of four stamps features acronyms of major human rights documents, each illustrated with distinct colors and symbols representing their respective themes. Wu expressed hope that these stamps would showcase Taiwan’s human rights achievements as they circulate.

Taiwanese distributor Hotai Motor, responsible for TOYOTA and LEXUS, reported a backlog of around 23,400 orders during an earnings call on Dec. 8. Despite an expected slight decrease in sales volume, the outlook remains optimistic. Hotai Motor dominates Taiwan’s auto market with a 33.3% share, as TOYOTA and LEXUS sold a combined total of 144,522 vehicles from January to November. The profit for the first three quarters was driven by the company’s core operations, particularly the more profitable LEXUS brand. With 19,000 pending orders for TOYOTA and 4,400 for LEXUS, the current order book suggests business for the next two months. Hotai Motor’s diversified investees, including Carmax, Hotai Finance, and Hotai Leasing, continue to grow. Hotai Insurance also experienced significant growth, except for the investing channel in China, which was affected by competitive pricing from domestic electric vehicle brands like BYD.

The Examination Yuan donates 6,600 books in Chinese and English to support library services in Taiwanese schools abroad, including the Surabaya Taipei School in Indonesia. The Ministry’s International and Cross-strait Education Department emphasizes the competitiveness of overseas students in Taiwanese schools, and hopes the book donation will foster closer ties between international Taiwanese institutions and domestic government bodies. The books cover a wide range of subjects and are expected to expand students’ imaginations and nurture global talent.

President Tsai Ing-wen presented the Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award to Amihan V. Abueva at a ceremony in Taipei. Abueva, the Regional Executive Director of the Child Rights Coalition Asia, was recognized for her advocacy against violence on children, including human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Tsai commended Abueva’s selflessness and bravery in creating a safer world for children and highlighted Taiwan’s efforts to incorporate international child rights standards into domestic law. Legislative Speaker You Si-kun emphasized Taiwan’s commitment to democracy and human rights, stating that the award reflects the country’s support for democratic values.

A multicultural festival celebrating ＂Migrants Day＂ will take place at the National Museum of Natural Science in Taichung City on December 10. The festival will feature performances, cultural experiences, and a prize drawing event. In an effort to educate immigrants about marriage management, rights in Taiwan, and the Domestic Violence Prevention Act, the National Immigration Agency’s Central Administration Corps organized a family education and legal advocacy event in Taichung on December 6. The event used creative presentations to help diverse couples recognize signs of physical and psychological abuse, stalking, and harassment. Hsieh Liang, chair of the Union of New Immigrants of Taichung City, served as a marriage educator, teaching communication skills and advising against tolerance for violence. Sung Hsin-hui, a violence prevention planner from the Taichung City Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Prevention Center, introduced the Domestic Violence Prevention Act and the Stalking and Harassment Prevention Act, as well as reporting procedures and shared case studies. The event provided valuable insights for A Chun, an immigrant from Japan, who gained a correct understanding of family violence and expressed relief that Taiwan’s legal system offers protection to victims. With Taiwan’s immigrant population growing, the NIA aims to foster unity among all ethnic groups and create a welcoming environment for new residents, promoting cultural integration.

Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je has unveiled a series of policy proposals to revolutionize Taiwan’s agricultural sector. These proposals include employing artificial intelligence (AI) to create a comprehensive agricultural database. Ko’s five-pronged approach aims to address challenges faced by Taiwanese farmers, such as fragmented landholdings and an oversaturated domestic market. He also highlights the need to modernize traditional poultry houses and the agricultural marketing system. One focal point of Ko’s agricultural policy is the establishment of a strategic food security plan with AI, aiming to enhance planning in agricultural production and ensure transparency in the sale of farm products through data analytics. Ko also emphasizes the importance of resilient infrastructure to protect the farming sector from extreme weather events and the formation of an agricultural carbon sink platform to promote sustainable and low-carbon development. By drawing on international models, Ko aims to transform rural architecture and farming practices for a more sustainable future in Taiwanese agriculture.

Kansai International Airport in Japan has recently undergone renovations to improve the departure process and accommodate a surge in international passenger traffic. With added verification measures in place, some travelers have reported going through exit immigration and security checks in as little as 30 minutes. The airport’s first terminal is being extensively renovated to meet future demands, with upgrades to domestic facilities and a newly opened central zone for international departures. As part of the expansion, 20 to 30 new duty-free shops and restaurants will be added. The aim of the renovations is to elevate efficiency and provide a more streamlined and pleasurable experience for passengers.

The Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) Chairman, Huang Tien-mu, addressed questions from Kuomintang Legislator Lin Te-fu about Taiwan’s stock market. Huang emphasized the significant role of domestic funds and corporations in driving market momentum, despite the heavy presence of foreign capital. While foreign capital makes up around 40% of the market value, it accounts for only 30% of regular stock volume. Huang stated that this indicates the considerable impact of internal funds and corporations on the market. Huang also highlighted a record inflow of foreign investment in November 2022, with overseas investors injecting over NTD $350 billion into the Taiwanese market. He attributed this surge in foreign investment to cooling inflation rates in the United States and a retreat from the highs of U.S. national debt yields. Huang argued that confidence in Taiwan’s robust economic fundamentals and attractive yield rates has led to increased foreign investment trust in Taiwan’s stocks. He further emphasized that the sustained influx of ’hot money’ into Taiwan indicates substantial interest from both foreign and local investors. This interaction underscores the FSC’s recognition of diverse investment sources in strengthening the Taiwanese stock market and suggests a cautiously optimistic outlook for continued investment in the island’s economic landscape.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor has denied rumors of plans to introduce 100,000 Indian workers by the end of the year. Labor Minister Hsu Ming-chun clarified that the consideration of India as a new source of migrant labor is aimed at addressing domestic industry shortages and reducing reliance on traditional labor markets. Hsu emphasized that this approach has gained consensus among various sectors of society. Discussions are ongoing for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with India, but no date has been determined yet. The number of workers to be recruited from India will be decided after evaluating the current condition and statistics of industries already permitted to employ foreign labor. The process will involve fixed quotas and a cautious, gradual opening. The primary aim of the plan is to diversify the countries from which Taiwan sources its labor force, with no specific issue concerning the number of workers from India. India would need to establish a talent database and provide language and skill training for potential migrant workers to meet the requirements. Taiwan is looking to expand its labor force to meet growing demand in key industries and maintain its competitive edge in the global market.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor has denied rumors of plans to introduce 100,000 Indian workers by the end of the year. Labor Minister Hsu Ming-chun clarified that the consideration of India as a new source of migrant labor is aimed at addressing domestic industry shortages and reducing reliance on traditional labor markets. Hsu emphasized that this approach has gained consensus among various sectors of society. Discussions are ongoing for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with India, but no date has been determined yet. The number of workers to be recruited from India will be decided after evaluating the current condition and statistics of industries already permitted to employ foreign labor. The process will involve fixed quotas and a cautious, gradual opening. The primary aim of the plan is to diversify the countries from which Taiwan sources its labor force, with no specific issue concerning the number of workers from India. India would need to establish a talent database and provide language and skill training for potential migrant workers to meet the requirements. Taiwan is looking to expand its labor force to meet growing demand in key industries and maintain its competitive edge in the global market.

DPP vice presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim refutes criticisms made by TPP candidate Ko Wen-je regarding the government’s handling of challenges faced by youths. Hsiao emphasizes the DPP’s efforts in tackling issues such as educational expenses, employment, and housing costs. She argues that these problems are not unique to Taiwan and require multifaceted solutions. Hsiao highlights that the current subsidy programs are a result of Taiwan’s robust national fiscal system and the outstanding international performance of domestic industries. She further asserts the need to distribute wealth effectively through policy measures and affirms the government’s commitment to alleviating financial pressures on young people.

Nvidia’s President, Jensen Huang, stated at the New York Times’ DealBook Summit that achieving U.S. independence in the chip supply chain and reducing reliance on overseas manufacturing could take 10 to 20 years. President Joe Biden’s administration has imposed a ban on chip exports to China, citing national security concerns and the need to maintain the U.S.’s lead in the semiconductor industry. Nvidia, among other companies, is impacted by these export control measures, leading to concerns about negative impacts on the company’s revenue. However, Huang revealed that Nvidia is developing chips compliant with U.S. regulations for the Chinese market and plans to re-enter once they are ready. He also warned that the export ban could accelerate China’s domestic chip development, with numerous Chinese companies already working on competing technologies. Huang emphasized that Nvidia is already a decade ahead in artificial intelligence technology and that AI and deep learning innovation involve more than just designing new chips.

Taiwan faces a 4.5% increase in domestic flight ticket prices due to a surge in global oil prices, resulting in an average additional cost of NT＄95 per ticket. Kinmen residents, who frequently travel to and from Taiwan, are particularly affected, with Mandarin Airlines’ Taipei to Kinmen route experiencing a one-way fare increase of 7.4%, equivalent to NT＄182. This price rise will also impact tourists planning to fly domestically during the New Year’s holiday, making air travel more expensive. As a result, authorities expect a significant increase in road traffic during the New Year’s Eve celebrations. To alleviate transportation challenges during the festive season, Taiwan will implement toll-free periods on freeways from midnight to 5 a.m. The Taiwan Railways Administration and Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) will also increase service frequencies to accommodate the expected passenger volume. THSR has added 105 services and will continue to offer discounts for college students and early bird promotions. Taiwan Railways has scheduled 116 extra trains, anticipating a potential peak of over 800,000 passengers in a single day. However, ticket sales for child-friendly carriages have been temporarily suspended. Additional train services during the New Year transportation period will be available for purchase starting from midnight on December 1, aiming to alleviate travel congestion during the holidays.

Legislators at the Legislative Yuan are demanding that the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) clearly define ＂fresh milk＂ to differentiate between imported milk and domestically-produced fresh milk in order to protect local dairy farmers. This demand comes as the 10-year anniversary of the economic cooperation agreement known as ANZTEC between New Zealand and Taiwan approaches, which will bring about a zero-tariff policy by 2025. The MOA has committed to collaborating with the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) to discuss the criteria for defining ’fresh milk.’ Proposals suggest establishing a clear distinction between domestic raw milk and imported liquid milk to ensure stability in contracts between dairy farmers and milk product manufacturers. It is argued that due to high-temperature sterilization and long-distance transportation, imported milk products should be categorized differently from fresh milk produced and stocked within Taiwan. The Acting Agriculture Minister Chen Junne-jih stated that the storage period and processing issues for ’fresh milk’ will be discussed in consultation with the MOHW, and milk labels will be revised to emphasize ＂Taiwan fresh milk＂ for market segmentation, preserving the label exclusively for domestically produced fresh milk. Currently, the national definition of ＂fresh milk＂ refers to raw cow’s milk processed with heating, sterilization, and refrigeration for consumption without specifying a shelf life.

Foxtron, a joint venture of Yulon Motor’s Luxgen Motor, has received over 9,100 pre-orders for its n7 electric vehicle (EV), making a significant impact on Taiwan’s domestic EV industry. Deliveries of the highly anticipated n7 model are set to begin in mid-January next year and be completed by the end of June. The n7’s pre-order numbers, achieved in just two days, equal three years of total EV sales in Taiwan, signaling a bright future for the EV market. Foxconn CEO Young Liu, leading the electric transformation of the trillion-dollar corporation, sees the increasing global competition in the EV sector as beneficial for Foxconn and its business models. Platformization, modularization, and standardization are key strategies for achieving cost control and timely product launches, which are at the core of Foxconn and Foxtron. The n7 model, benefiting from the shared platform provided by Foxtron, enjoys a competitive edge in cost, aligning with Foxconn’s global EV aspirations. The success of Foxtron’s n7 could potentially usher in a new era for Taiwan’s presence in the international EV landscape as the demand for sustainable transport continues to grow.

The Tourism Administration plans to launch a new travel program called ＂Golden Years＂ (凰金遊程Golden Years) next year, targeting senior travelers in response to Taiwan’s aging population. With an estimated senior travel demographic of 4 million individuals, Taiwan sees a potential tourist value of up to NT＄120 billion. Deputy Director-General Lin Hsin-Jen expects a 10% to 20% growth in output value, reaching NT＄120 billion, with domestic tours for the elderly market accounting for approximately NT＄40 billion and international travelers adding NT＄60 billion. Travel agencies and hotels are now focusing on marketing efforts and introducing 11 Golden Years itineraries to cater to this demographic’s preferences. Discounts and leisurely itineraries are being offered to accommodate the spending power of senior travelers.

The Taiwan Research Institute (TRI) reports a decrease in electricity demand in September, following the end of the summer peak period for consumption. The TRI’s October Taiwan EPI shows a 0.16% growth in high voltage electricity usage across national industries compared to the same period in 2022. However, this growth is smaller than the increase seen in September. TRI President Wu Tsai-yi attributes the deceleration in economic growth to global inflation, interest rate hikes, and ongoing geopolitical crises. Despite these challenges, the domestic electronic technology industry has experienced successful inventory turnover due to the rise of AI applications, the launch of new consumer electronics, and stockpiling for the end-of-year shopping season. With sustained private consumption momentum and negative economic growth factors in the fourth quarter of 2022, a significant increase in economic growth to 4.4% is estimated for October. Wu predicts a gradual return to normalcy for global economic and business activities as the effects of inflation and interest rate increases diminish.

Taiwan’s domestic egg production is currently sufficient to meet consumer demands, eliminating the need for imports, according to Acting Minister of Agriculture Chen Junne-jih. Speaking at a joint meeting of the Legislative Yuan’s committees, Chen stated that the country produces around 24 million eggs per day, with approximately 34 million laying hens. While the domestic egg supply is stable, Chen highlighted that some schools’ ban on liquid eggs has weakened consumer demand, leading to increased stock and pressure on national egg production. Chen hopes that the ban can be reconsidered and lifted to maintain stable egg supplies. The potential decrease in egg prices depends on consumer demand, and Chen suggests that incorrect dietary restrictions could create market pressures.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor (MOL) plans to introduce Indian migrant workers to address labor shortages. The initiative will adhere to domestic regulations and is not an immediate importation of 100,000 workers. The MOL will negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on labor service cooperation with India to ensure quality workers without disrupting social stability. Several countries have had positive experiences importing Indian labor, and currently, around 2,700 Indian laborers work in Taiwan. Taiwan’s economic and trade relationships with India are strong, making labor cooperation a priority. After signing the MOU, discussions on industrial quotas will occur. The MOL will rigorously assess qualification criteria such as language skills, professional abilities, educational background, and good behavior. The aim is for the introduction of migrant workers to contribute positively to Taiwan’s economic and societal development.

The Taiwanese government is taking preemptive measures to achieve its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. Premier Chen Chien-jen highlights the importance of a talented workforce and enhanced research in guiding industries towards a green energy transition. The government is also focused on strengthening strategies and providing better services for domestic industries. The National Development Council is actively removing obstacles to land acquisition for overseas businesses returning to Taiwan. The Ministry of Economic Affairs has proposed a plan to increase water supply capacity and promote the use of reclaimed and desalinated water. Additionally, the MOEA is investing in renewable energy infrastructure, particularly in solar and offshore wind power, with the aim of establishing high-performance offshore wind ports.

The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) in Taiwan has announced that starting in January next year, food service businesses will only receive rewards up to NT $14 per serving if they agree to use organic or traceable agricultural products for 12 varieties of fast-growing vegetables, including bok choy and water spinach. However, the catering industry has expressed concerns about potential price increases during typhoon seasons or cold weather, which could make certified and organic products even more expensive. In response, MOA officials have confirmed that subsidies will be offered to mitigate the impact of vegetable price hikes, with school lunch allowances per serving potentially increasing from NT $3.5 to NT$10, and remote schools eligible for an allowance of up to NT $14 per serving. Chen Mig-hsin, Director of Taiwan’s Food Catering Association, has called for the approval of integrating QR-code usage for verified products during natural disasters, emphasizing the need for additional reward systems to better prepare domestic food suppliers for weather disturbances. Agriculture and Food Agency (AFA) Deputy Director Su Mao-hsiang has acknowledged the efforts made by catering businesses to support the MOA’s goals of promoting healthy and affordable school lunches. Currently, over half of the 3,800 tons of vegetables purchased weekly are organic and traceable products, and Su anticipates that the expanded purchase of healthy agricultural foods will further incentivize farmers to produce them.

Taipei was filled with political debate as Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je criticized Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te over his family home’s illegal construction. Ko questioned why Lai’s illegal buildings were not demolished like his mother’s and former legislator Huang Kuo-chang’s. This controversy emerged after the formation of the TPP-KMT alliance, which Lai publicly criticized as a blatant power grab. Lai argued that the alliance does not represent Taiwan’s mainstream public opinion and accused the candidates of lacking national security protection and comprehensive national plans. Ko retaliated by claiming that the DPP’s election strategy relies solely on rallying the Chinese Communist Party. This ongoing dispute between the two parties intensifies as they compete for control of Taiwan’s political future. In response to Lai’s criticisms, Ko admitted that they cannot guarantee being the best choice for Taiwan but questioned why Lai considers himself the better option. As the election approaches, this war of words further strains Taiwan’s domestic politics.

Taiwan’s Minister of Health and Welfare expressed support for signing a memorandum of understanding with India by year-end, aiming to introduce around 100,000 Indian migrant workers to Taiwan. The agreement could involve employing these workers in manufacturing, construction, agriculture, institutional, and domestic care sectors. However, the contract signing might be delayed until December, and the employment of new migrant workers cannot begin immediately. Currently, Taiwan has approximately 748,000 foreign migrant workers, with Indonesians being the largest group at 267,000, primarily in caregiving. Vietnam follows with 260,000 workers, and the Philippines with 150,000, mainly in manufacturing. This collaboration could make India Taiwan’s fourth-largest source of migrant workers.

Taiwanese chicken producers are pushing for stricter labeling regulations for chicken and egg products, similar to those in place for pork and beef. The proposals include labeling the origins of these products in dining establishments. Chen Yu-che, Chairman of the Taichung City Poultry Association, has been advocating for thorough labeling since 2019, particularly for imported chicken. Following the COVID-19 lockdown lift in 2023, there has been a significant increase in imported chicken, reaching 230,000 tons per month, about half the volume of domestic chicken. The government’s importation of large quantities of eggs this year has led to quality issues, prompting industry representatives to call for a review of border management methods and increased inspection rates for imported chicken. Chen emphasizes the importance of clearly stating the origin of imported chicken, disclosing slaughter dates for chicken in the consumer market, and specifying the type of meat used on menus at dining establishments.